Annual Christmas Story ending: A very vampire Christmas

EVERY YEAR, the Independent Journal publishes an unfinished Christmas story and invites readers to submit an ending. Judges look for something creative, upbeat and kid-friendly from IJ readers.

This year's winner is Beverly Butler of Mill Valley. Read more endings online at www.marinij.com.

In the unfinished story titled "A very vampire Christmas," Clara and her young brother, Ethan, are convinced their new neighbor, a red-haired girl, is a vampire. Dogs have gone missing from the neighborhood and the new girl keeps digging — or burying — things in her yard.

Instead of helping Clara rake the leaves, Ethan and his friends disappear. But, to where? Clara goes to explore and brings along garlic cloves "... just in case.

lll

Suddenly, Clara's feet flew from under her on the slippery sidewalk.

"Ow," she cried, falling hard onto the pavement. Her head hit first. Clara lay there dazed as snow fell on her bangs and face.

"Hey, are you OK?"

It was the red-haired girl, standing above her. She had on an apron covered with large red splotches.

It must be blood! Clara thought.

"My name is Ruby. I live here. Do you need some help?"

Clara rose up on her elbows feeling a little dizzy and a lot embarrassed.

"I'm such a klutz. I live two houses down." Clara motioned the direction with her head and immediately felt a stabbing pain.

"I know. Your brother and his friends told me. I have them inside."

"What?" Clara quickly stood up and tried to look taller than she was and stronger than she felt. "What are you doing to them?!" Clara's garlic-marinated hand was clenched into a fist inside her pocket.

Ruby smiled. The streetlight had just flickered on and illuminated a glint in her eyes. "Since I caught them spying on me, I'm doing to them what they deserve."

Clara's mind raced. How was she going to save Ethan and his friends?

Ruby continued, "I've almost decided which one will go first. Want to watch?"

Clara sprinted through the open door, following the noise of what sounded like clanking chains.

She must have them imprisoned, Clara thought as her heart raced.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, Clara was shocked at what she saw: Ethan, along with Rory, Connor and Jason, unloading sugar cookies from baking sheets and onto cooling racks. They all wore holiday aprons and big smiles.

"I put them to work," said Ruby, walking in and inspecting the fresh batch of cookies. "Now comes the fun part: decorating. I've mixed up blue, green, brown and red frosting; I guess you can see I was a little sloppy with the red." She looked down at the stains on her apron. "Ethan goes first because he's the youngest."

"Yes, of course. We'll give it to my dad when he gets home from work at the animal hospital. Those neighborhood dogs both got ahold of the same poisonous plant. I dug it up, but not before they got sick. Dad says they'll be fine in another day."

Ruby turned to Clara, "Want some peppermint tea? I made a big pot for everyone. It'll make you feel better."

Ruby poured what smelled like warm liquid candy canes into a mug and handed it to Clara.

Clara sipped. "Mmm, that's good. Thanks."

"I just moved here and this is the first time I've met any neighbors my age. Want to hang out tomorrow?"

Clara wanted nothing more in the world than a new friend, her brother safe and a white Christmas.